As per sources, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is likely to face a fine as high as Rs24 million for reneging on a commitment with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and withdrawing from participating at the FIH Pro League just days ahead of the start of the event, citing financial constraints.

This news has astonished Pakistan Hockey officials and the community at large, especially since the fine is of almost equivalent amount of what was supposed to be spent on the team’s travelling to these countries.

The lack of funds was the main reason behind Pakistan’s withdrawal from the FIH Pro League.

The FIH committee is of the opinion that since the tickets and sponsorship were sold well ahead of tournament, it is Pakistan’s responsibility to pay the damages or to make up for these expenditures.

Pakistan had been scheduled to play all their Pro League games in Scotland due to security issues in the country, which had contributed to the financial concerns at the PHF, since the extensive travelling was proving to be a huge cost.

PHF’s numerous appeals to the Government for financial assistance for participation were ignored.